Federal Government Celebrates June LGBTQ Pride Month
White House issues proclamation, while touting Biden's accomplishments
Policymakers at the highest levels of the US government began celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month for June.
Among the observations of the occasion, the White House issued a comprehensive proclamation sweeping the history of the modern pride movement — celebrating successes, but acknowledging that more needs to be done.
“During LGBTQ+ Pride Month, we recognize the resilience and determination of the many individuals who are fighting to live freely and authentically. In doing so, they are opening hearts and minds, and laying the foundation for a more just and equitable America,” it said. “This Pride Month, we affirm our obligation to uphold the dignity of all people, and dedicate ourselves to protecting the most vulnerable among us.”
The White House also released a fact sheet touting the actions President Biden's taken on behalf of LGBTQ equality since he took office.
“Within hours of taking the oath of office, President Biden signed an Executive Order Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation,” the fact sheet said. “The Executive Order established that it is the official policy of the Biden-Harris Administration to prevent and combat discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, and to fully enforce civil rights laws to prevent discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation. The President directed all federal agencies to implement fully all federal laws that prevent discrimination on the basis of sex, to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
"This Executive Order is one of the most consequential policies for LGBTQ+ Americans ever signed by a U.S. President. As a result of that Order, agencies have already taken key steps to advance LGBTQ+ equality,” it added.
Biden also signed an executive order specifically reversing the Trump administration ban on openly transgender servicemembers serving in the US armed forces, enabling all qualified Americans to serve their country in uniform.
"President Biden believes that gender identity should not be a bar to military service, America’s strength is found in its diversity, and an inclusive military strengthens our national security,” the fact sheet said.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also released a statement Tuesday in honor and celebration of Pride Month.
“Every June, Americans celebrate the beauty, bravery and vibrancy of our cherished LGBTQ communities and commemorate the remarkable progress our nation has made toward full equality,” Pelosi said. “Just five decades ago, proud activists at the Stonewall Inn boldly rejected centuries of hatred and persecution in a moment that changed America and, indeed, the world.
"During Pride Month, we carry on what began in the streets of New York City, proudly marching to demand an end to bigotry and to advance the cause of justice,” she added.
Pelosi, too, sought to trace the history of LGBTQ equality.
“Our nation has taken important strides toward full equality, thanks to generations of leaders and activists who rallied support for the gay community during the HIV/AIDS crisis, passed protections against discrimination and hate crimes, defeated the appalling ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy, secured the right to marriage equality and more,” she said. “Tragically, hatred and bigotry still linger today: an alarming wave of anti-LGBTQ legislation is sweeping statehouses across the nation, while transgender women of color are suffering rising violence in our communities. As these dark forces threaten to erode our hard-won progress, we cannot relent until our LGBTQ friends, family and neighbors can live with safety, dignity and pride.
“That is why, in February, the Democratic House once again passed the landmark Equality Act, which must become law," Pelosi added. "The House salutes President Biden and Vice President Harris for their leadership, ensuring that LGBTQ Americans are protected against discrimination under the Civil Rights Act, ending the shameful ban on transgender servicemembers, working to protect transgender youth and stopping anti-LGBTQ discrimination in our health care system. This Pride Month, let us recommit ourselves to finally realizing our nation’s founding creed: that all are equal.”